Pipe or hose coupling.



,-No. 867,752. PATBNTEDOGT-8, v19o?.

-J. H. PHILLIPS, JB. A PIPE 0R HOSE coUPLING.

APPLIOATION FILED JAHJ, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Til Witnesses l No. 367,152. PATENTPD 00T. a, 1`9`o7.

, I. III` PHILLIPS, JR. PIPE 0R HOSE GOUPLING.

AIPLIUATION FILED JAR?, 1907.

z SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Wtnssesj y v a l .1U

AJ l '4 PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN HENRY PHILLIPS, JR., OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN.

PIPE 0R HOSE COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 8, 1907.

Application iilediJanuary 7,1907. Serial No. 351,196-

To all whom it lmay concern: v

Beit known. that LlJouN H ENRY PHILLIPS, Jr., a citizen of the Un it ed States, residing at tho city and county `of Jackson. State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Imprownnentsin Pipe or Hose Couplings, of which the following is a specification. ,Y

This invention relates to irnprwements in pipe or hose couplings.

My improved pipe. or hose coupling is particularly adapt ed and, as shown in the. accompanying drawing, is designed for use as a coupling for thelsteain and air pipes of railway trains, although it may be readily adapted, and is very desirable for use in various other relations.

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide an improved pipe or hose couplingwhich may be readily coupled or uncouplcd, and one which forms a very perfect and secure joint. Second, to provide an improved Coupling for pipes or hose in which the pressure of the .therr for.

tails, will definitely appear from the detailed description l to follow. l

I accomplish the objects 'of my invention by the dcviccs and means described in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims. i

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, in which,

Figure l is a side elevation of a structure embodying the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a plan thereof. Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal detail section,'taken on a line corresponding toline 3-3 of Fig. 2. Fig. Il is a longitudinal detail section of a modified construction, the coupling members proper being adjustably arranged in spherical sockets provided therefor. Fig. 5 is an inverted, or inside, perspective of one of the coupling members 6. Fig. Gis an outside perspective of one of the coupling members 6. Fig. 7 isan ond elevation of one of the coupling heads. Fig. 8 is a detail longitudinal section, taken on a line corresponding te line 8--8- of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a slightly modified construction, the swivel feature of the coupling heads being omitted` Fig. l0 is an enlarged cross section, taken on a line corresponding to line 1.0-10 of Figs. l and 9, showing the drain forthe coupling heads. Fig. 'll is a detail'longitudinal section of a modified construction, the coupling members being formed in part of rubber, or like fiexiblematerial. Fig. 12 is a detail i Fig. 3.

longitudinal section of a modified construction of the coupling mem bers which are formed with a plurality of united 'II-shaped rings. Fig. 13 is a further modification, the coupling members being threaded into the heads.

In the drawing, the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the end of the section lines and similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawing, the coupling heads 1 are preferably provided with swivel nipples for the attachment ofthe hose or pipe. This I preferably accomplish by providing the swivels 2 with outturned annular flanges at their inner ends,v which are seated against suitable shoulders 23 provided therefor in the coupling heads. The` swivels 2 are" retained in the heads by collars 3, which are threaded into the coupling heads, as clearly appears in Fig. 3 of the drawing. The-coupling heads are provided-with cylindrical bores to receive the packing rings 6. These packing rings 6 are preferably formedl of spring metal and are provided with inwardly projecting annular lianges -7 with ring-like bearing lips 8 at the edges thereof. The liangcs 7 are preferably somewhat O-shaped, or curved in cross section to add to their spring quality. This is also of advantage in that the springing of the packing rings, when thus formed, does not open or` rock the coupling lips upon each other. The body portions of the packing rings are preferably split, or divided at one side, as at 1 0, so that they will readily expand under pressure of theblastic'uid within the pipes to prevent leakage under the saine. To close this opening, a joint lap piece 9 is secured at one side of the opening 10 and arranged tolie across the same. This joint lap piece is also of spring metal4 so that, under pressure of the steam or y other fluid, itis forced down to seal the joint opening. I

The packing rings are preferably retained within the heads by spring fingers 11, which are adapted to engage the annular grooves 12 -within the coupling heads. By this manner of securing, the packing rings may be inserted or removed, afs desired. The spring fingers Il also tend to hold the coupling lmembers normally forward within the coupling heads, allowing a slight adjustment thereof.

A packing ring 24 is provided for the swivel joint. This embodies the same principle as the packing rings described, being a spring metal ring fitted into the coupling head andbeing preferably made up of a plurality of united U-shaped spring metal rings, the outer arms thereof having bearing ring-like lips 8 corresponding to the lips 8 of the packingrings. One of these bearing lips is arranged to bear against the end of the swivel 2, and the other against an inwardl projecting liange 25 provided therefor in the coupling head; see The spring of the ring holds the bearing lips normally against their seats, and, when the packing ring is under the pressure of the elastic fluid within the pipe, the bearing lips are held firmly against their seats. As soon as the pressure within the pipes is released, the swivel can be turned quite easily, as the friction of the packing ring is comparatively slight. At the same time, it is sufficient to insure a perfect joint, and, as stated, when the pressure is applied, it holds the lips firmly against their seats provided therefor. This is also true of the coupling members described.

When the coupling is adapted to be used as a coupling for the pipes ofl trains, the nipple portion of the swivel isturned upwardly so that the coupling is held in an upright position when suspended by the coupling hose. The swivel is normally retained in this position by a spring 13 secured on the inside of the head, thc end of which is adapted to engage a suitable hole 14 provided therefor' in the swivel, see Fig. 3. This, while it holds the heads normally in a fixed position relative to the swivel, permits the rotation thereof, when desired.

The coupling heads are provided with forwardly projecting rigid latches 4 on one side and with catches or stops 5 therefor on the other, so that, when the coupling heads are brought end to end, the lat-ch of one en gages the stop of the other, see Figs. l and 2. These stops are preferably inclined, the hook of the latch engaging over the inner end thereof and the latch resting thereon. The hook of the latch is preferably cut away at 26, so that it readily slips over the stop and tends to draw the heads together. To hold the latches in engagement, I provide. spring pressed pins 17 slidably arranged in suitable chambers provided therefor in theI` coupling heads, the pin of one head. lbeing adapted to engage a suitable seat 19 provided therefor in the Iother head. The pins are held normally outward by coiled springs 18 arranged within the chamber. By this arrangement, the springs are protected so that there is no danger of theirvbecoming inoperative by becoming clogged with snow, ice, or the like.

To secure the coupling` it is only necessary to bring the members end to end, when the latches will readily engage. The spring pins 17, being arranged at thc bottom of the heads, tend to hold the hooks in engagement. The upturned nipples of the swivels also tend to this same result,V as does also the pressure of the elastic fluid Within the pipes. To disengage the coupling heads, it is only necessary to rock the same downwardly, which releases or disengages the latches. The lips, or engaging portions of the coupling members project slightly from the coupling heads, so that, when the heads are brought together, the lips contact and are put under pressure. Owing to the spring quality of the packing rings, they readily yield to permit the manipulation of the coupling heads, and, at the same time, maintain a perfect joint.V The spring of the packing rings is sufiicient to hold them in contact und er ordinary conditions. However, as soon as the steam, or other fluid, is turned on, the pressure thereof on the flange portions and lips of the coupling members holds the parts together.

The coupling heads are preferably provided with drains: see Fig. V10. These consist of suitable passages having plitgs 20 threaded into the outer ends thereof. The inner ends oi these plugs form the seat for the disk valves 22, the stems of the valves being arranged through the plugs to bc engaged by the opcrator, when it is desired to opcu the valvcs. 'lhc bore ofthe plug 20 is cortical so that when the pressure ot the steam is off thc weight. of thc stem rocks the valve on its scat. The valves are preferably flexible to insure a more perfect fit when under pressure. These valves, owingr to their shape are held against the scat. b v the pressure of the fluid within the heads. When the pressure is off, the valves auton'iatically open so that the coupling is automatically drained. llowcver, owing to thc shape and arrangement of the valve, as soon :is the pressure is turned on, the valve is .ultomatic-.illy closed.

1n the modified construction shown in Fig. I, th(` packing rings G are seated in spherical sockets l5, provided therefor. 'lhese sockets fit within thc lit-ads :uid are held therein by spring fingers ,l l, substzuiti-.illy the same as has been described for the packing rings. 'lhc body portion of the packing rings of this moditicat ion is curved to adjustably fit. the sockets. This construction has the advantage. of relieving the flange or spring portion to the packing rings of some of the st rain thereon. The sockets l5 are lormed of spring material and are provided with bearing lips lt atl their rear edges. which secure substantially the same result as the bearing lips 8 of the coupling members. The packingr rings are held adjustably within the sockets by hooks 2li, which engage over the rear edge of the sockets, as. clearly appears from the drawing.

In the modified construction 'shown in Fig. ll, thc packing rings 27 are covered with rubber, or like rcsilient material 2S, which is provided with coupling lips 29. This construction secures the same result of the pressure of the steam holding the coupling lips iu contact as in the structure described.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. I2, thc packing rings 3() are made up of a plurality of U-shnpcd rings substantially the same as the packing ring it dcscribed for the swivel joint. 'lhe particular .ntwntage shown in Figs. 3, 4 and `ll is that greater elasticity is secured. ,In this construction, the coupling members are preferably further supported by springs 3l.

1 have illustrated and described my improved coupling in detail in the form preferred by me on account. ofits structural simplicity and durability. l am aware, however, that it is capable of considerable va.- riation in structural details without departing from my invention, and I desire to be understood ns claimingr the same specifically, as illustrated, as well as bro-.idly

Having thus described my invention, what. l cl-.lim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent. is:

1. In a structure ot' the class desc 'bed, the combination with the couplin, T lte:\ds, each having ou one side :i t'or wardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downturncd engaging hook and on the other side :i stop adapted to engage the latch ot the opposite member: :i projecting pin arranged at the bottom of the head adapted to engage the opposite member; :i spring arranged in a chamber pro vided therefor adapted to hold said pin normally outward each bend having: a spring metal packingl riue' lnivingnn inwardly projectingr tiangelike portion :it its outer end provided with a bearing;- lip at its cdgc, the body portion of said ring having :i transverse slit. therein: :i ioint lap piece secured at'. one side ot said slit and :trrnnecd to` overlap the same; :i swivel havingl an outwardly.' projectY ing tiange at its inner end seated against. a suitable shoulder in the head: an inwardly projecting :innulzir rhume in the head; and a packingring formed of :i plurality ot' united 'li-shaped spring metal rines having ring-like henring` lips ou the outer arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said flange in the head. l

L. ln a structure o1 the'ciass described, the combination with the coupling' heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downturned engaging hook and onthe other side a stopadapted .to engage the latch of the opposite member; a projecting pin arranged at the bottom of the head adapted to engage the opposite member; a'spring arranged in a chamber provided therefor adapted to hold said pin normally outward; each head having a spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting iiange-like portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; a joint lap piece secured at one, side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same; a swivel having an outwardly projecting flange at its inner end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting annular dange in the head: and aU-shaped pack-ing ring having ring-like bearing lips ou the arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said iiange in the head.

3. -In a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigidiatch provided with a downturned engaging hook and on the other side a stopadaptcd to engage the latch of the opposite member.; a projecting pin arranged at the bottom of the head adapted to engage the opposite member a spring arranged in a chamber provided therefor adapted to hold said pin normally outward; each head having a spring metal packing ring havingr an inwardly projecting tlange-like portion at its outer end providedwith a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slittierein; and a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same.

4. In a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each having on one side a for wardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downturned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch or' the opposite member each head having a spring metal packing ringhaving an inwardly projecting flange-like portion at its outer end provided Awith a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same; a swivel having an outwardly projecting `flange at its inner-end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projocting'annular iiange in the head and a packing ring formed of a plurality of united 'Li-shaped spring metal rings having ring-like lips on the outer arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said iiange in the head.

5. ln a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downturned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch of the opposite member; each head havluga spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting {lange-like portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at its edge, the bodylportion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same; a swivel having an outwardly projecting liange at itsinner ond seated against a suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting annular ange in the head; and a U- shaped packing ring having ring-like bearing lips on the arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said flange in the head.

(i. ln a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downturned engaginghook and on ,the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch of the opposite member each head having a spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projectingl {lange-like portion at its outer end provided with. ir bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring havim,r a transverse slit'therein; and a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and arranged-to overlap the same.

"I, in a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads. each head having a spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting Bange-like portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at its odge, the body -portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; a joint lap piece secured at one side ofsaid slit and arranged to overlap the same a swivel having an outwardly projecting flange at its inner end seatedagainst a suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting' annular flange in the head; and a packing ring formed of a plurality of united Ushaped spring. metal rings having ring-like bearing lips on the outer arms thereof arranged io seat against the inner end of said swivel and 'the said iiange in the head.

8. In a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each head having a spring metai packing' ring havingl an inwardly projecting flange-like portion at its outer end provided 'with a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion oi' said ring having a transverse slit therein; a joint lap piece' secured at one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same; a swivel having an projecting iiange at its inner end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting annular flange in the head; and a U-shaped packing ring having ring-like bearing lips on the arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said flange in the head.

9. ln a structure of the class described,'the combination with the coupling heads, each head hav-ing a spring metal packing ring vhaving an inwardly projecting flange-like portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; and a joint lap piece secured at oneside of said metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting lange- `like portion at its outer endcurved in cross section provided with a bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; and a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same.

11.`In a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, each head having a spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting flangelike portion at its outer end provided with a ring-like bearing lip at its edge, the body portion of said ring having a transverse slit therein; and a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit` and arranged to overlap the saine.

12. In a structure of the class described, the combination with the-coupling heads, each head having a spring metal packing ring having an inwardly projecting flangelike portion at its outer end curved in cross section provided with a ring-like bearing lip at its edge, the body portion' of said ring having a transverse slit therein; and a joint lap piece secured at one side of said slit and` arranged to overlap the same.

13. Ina structure of the class described, the combination with the ,coupling heads, each having on'one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a downvvturned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to' engage the latch of the opposite member a projecting .pin arranged at the bottom' of the head adapted to engage vthe opposite member; a spring arranged in a chamber provided thereforfadapted to. hold said pin nor-` mally outward; a packing member havlng'um inwardly projecting flange-like resilient portion at its outer end provided with s. bearing lip at its edge; a swiveihaving an` outwardly projecting flange at its inner end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head; projecting annular age in the head; and apaeking ring formed of a pluralityof, united U-shaped springmetal rings having' ring-likebearing lips on the outer arms thereof arranged to seat" against the inner end of said` swivel and the said aange inthe head.` f .y v lsi.- in a. structure of the class@v described, thefcombina- Ation with the coupling heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a down` turned engaging hook and on the other side a-"stop adapted to engage the -latch of the opposite member; 4a projecting pin arranged at the bottom of 'the head adapted to an inwardly loo engage the opposite member; a spring arranged in a chamber provided-thei'efor adapted to h'old said pin nor linally outward; a packing nienibei' 'having an inwardly forwardly projecting rigid latch provided witli a downturned'engaging hoek and on the other side a slop adapted to engage the latch of the opposite member; a projectiu pin arranged at the bottoln'of the head adapted to engage Athe opposite member a spring' arranged in a chamber pro vided therefor adapted to 'hold said pin normally outward and a packing ineinbei' having an inwardly projecting tlangedike resilient portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at its edge.

lll. ln a structure ot' the class described. the combination witlr the coupling heads, each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a down- 4turned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch of the opposite member; a packing member having an inwardly projecting angelike resilient portion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at'. its edge: a swivel having an outwardly projecting flange at its inner end seated against a 'suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting annular flange in the head; and a packing,r ring,r formed of a plurality of united U- shaped spring' metal rings having ring-like bearing-lips on the outer arms thereof arranged to seat against tht` inner end of said swivel and the said flange in the head.I

17. 1n a structure of the class described. the combination with the coupling heads. each having on one side a forwardly projecting rigid latch provided with a down turned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch of the opposite member: a parking member having an inwardly projecting flzinge-like resilient portion at its outer end provided with a, bearing lip at its edge; a swivel having an outwardly p'rojectiin;- tlange at its inner end seated againsta suitable shoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting annular flange in the head-z and a U-sliaped packing,r ring having ring-likt` bearing lips on ythe arms thereof arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said flange in the head.

1S. In a structure of the class described, the combina-4 tion with the coupling,r heads, each having on one side a forwardly-prejecting rigid latch provided with a downJ turned engaging hook and on the other side a stop adapted to engage the latch of the oppositie member, the said hooks and stops of said heads beim;r arranged to he engaged or disengaged by the transverse rocking,r movement ol' said heads, `and a packing inember having an inwardlyprojeet ing flange-'like resilient portion at its outer end.

1t). ln a structure of the class described, the combination with the coupling heads, cach havinje,- a packing nienibei' having an inwardly projecting ftange-likc resilient poi'- tion at its outer end provided with a bearing lip at lts edge' a swivel havingan outwardly projecting flangr` at its inner end seated against a suitable lshoulder in the head; an inwardly projecting fiange in the head: and a packing ring formed of a plurality of united 'tI-shaped spring inetal rings having ringlike bearing lips on the outer arms thereof arranged to seat' against: the inner end of' said swivel and the said Iiange in the head.

1:0. In .a structure of the class described. the coinhination willi the coupling heads, each havinga packing nientber having an inwardly projecting Hangt-like resilient por tion at its outer end providedavith a bearingl lip :it its edge; a swivel having` an 'outwardly projecting flange at', its inner end-seated agaii a suitabh` shoulder in tht,` head; an inwardly projecting annular flange in the head: -and a U-sliaped packing ring having ring-like bearing lips ou the arms thereof arranged to st against'. the inner end of said swivel and the said l'lange inthe head,

21. In a structure of the class described, the combina tion `with y.r head, ol' a swivel havin:` an outwardly prejeetlng flange at its inner end seated against.' a suitable shoulder in the head; a collar threaded into the head tor ret.iiuiug said swivel therein; an inwardly projecting annular llange in the head; and :i packing ring formed of a plurality ot' united U-shaped spi-ing;` metal rings having '-lil-:e bearing lips on the outer arias thereof arranged to seat against tbe inner end o1' said swivel and the said flange in the head.

2'.' lu a structure ot the class described. the combinati'ou with a bead: a suivel having au outwardly projecting Ilanre at its inner end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head: a collar threaded into the bead for retaining said swivel therein: an inwardly pl' jectiug annular Ilangc in the head.; and a 'UY haped spring iuetal packing rinj: having ring-like bearii lips on the arins thereof arranged fo seat against the inner end of' said swivel and the said flange in the head.

'.'L ln a structure oi the class described. tbe combinal'iou with a head, ot a swivel having a'n outwardly pro jeetii,l flange at its inner end seated 'anst a suitable shoulder inr the head; au inwardly projecting, annular flange in the head; and a packing ring toriued of a plurality of united U-shaped springl nietal rings having ring;- like bearing lips on the outer arms thereof arranged t0 seat against the inner end of said swivel and the said llange in the head.

:14. ln a structure of the class described, the combination with a head, ol a swivel having au outwardly projecting flange at'. its inner end seated against a suitable shoulder in the head2'an inwardly priljecting annular ring having i'inglike hearing lips on the arms thereof' arranged to seat against the inner end of said swivel and the d ttange in the head.

27|, 1n a structure of' the class described, `the combination with a head; a spring metal packing ring having an iuwardly-projeefing llange-like portion ati its outer end curved in cross section and provided with a ring-like bear ing lip vat its edge, the body ot' said ring` havingr a transverse slit therein: and a joint lappieee secured at one side of' the said slit and arranged to overlap the saine.

liti. ln a structure of the class described, the combination with a head; a ,spring inefal packing ring having- .'in inwardlyprojecting flange-like portion at its outer end and providedwvith a ringlike bearing lip at'y its edge, the body of said ring havin a transverse slit therein; and a joint lap-piece secured at one slide of the said slit and arranged to overlap the saine.

ln a structure ot the eiass described, the combination with a head; a spring metal packing ring having an inwardlyprojeet.ing llaugtflike portion at' itts outer end curved in cross section, the body of said ring having .'i transverse slit therein; and a joint lap piece secured at: one side of said slit and arranged to overlap the same.

2S. 1n a structure of' the class described, the coinbinainwardly-projeeting fl.uigclike portion at; its outer end,

Athe body of' said ring havingl a transverse slit therein .j and a joint lap-piece secured at one side ot' said slit and arranged to overlap the saine.

2b. In a structure ot` the class described, the combination of a coupling head having;l a linder-like bore; and a .sleevellike pf ing ring sleeved into said coupling head, said parking ring havi un inwardlyprojecting flange. at its outer end. said'tlange being provided with a ring-like bearing lip at i edge.

.'ltl. In a structure of the class described, the combination of' a coupling head having,l a cyliuderdike bore; and a sleeve-like packing ring sleeved'into said coupling head, said parking ring having an inward|yprojecting flange at its outer end.

ln witness whereof'. l have hereunto set iny hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

['r.. s.] Witnesses W. A. CL'NNixouAM, 

